Wieghorst recovery gains pace

The midfielder was struck down with Guillain-Barre Syndrome two years ago but he looked a picture of health as he celebrated a goal in the 5-0 Tennent's Scottish Cup victory over Alloa on Tuesday night.

Wieghorst, 30, who is out of contract in the summer, produced a man of the match display which prompted manager Martin O'Neill to reveal that he wanted the Danish international to sign a new one-year deal.

The midfielder admitted that coming through his second start since contracting the illness, which threatens the nervous system, had given him the confidence to regain the fitness and quality of old.

"Psychologically it's the best I've felt for two years now," said Wieghorst. "I've still got a bit to go before I'm back to my best.

"You don't just get it back after two first-team games. It'll take a while yet before I'm back to my best.

"But it's definitely been a massive boost. I'd say that getting the mental strength back goes hand in hand with the physical ability.

"I know what I was capable of doing before - I've known that all along - but I think that's been the hardest thing to deal with.

"Last year I'd think about what I used to be able to do - and it just wasn't there. But I'm getting back to what I was. I'm getting so close that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel."

Wieghorst's last first-team outing was in the 8-0 CIS Cup victory over Stirling Albion in November.

"I'm just delighted to be back training and now playing in the odd game," added Wieghorst. I've still got four or five months to go on my contract, but I've taken the pressure off by getting stronger.

"Whatever happens, happens. I just know, more importantly, that I am getting back to the way I was. I felt a lot stronger against Alloa than I did against Stirling a couple of months ago.

Third Division Albion Rovers will get another chance to knock Livingston out of the Scottish Cup on Monday - but only if they can fix their faulty floodlights in time.

Their third round tie with the Premiership club at Cliftonhill on Tuesday had to be abandoned at half-time when the lights went out with the score 0-0.

The Scottish FA now want the sides to try again on Monday (7.30pm) but are ready to switch the tie if necessary.

SFA spokesman Andy Mitchell said: "Albion Rovers officials are currently assessing whether the floodlights can be repaired in time for the tie. If not, the tie will be moved to another stadium."

Meanwhile, Rangers striker Tore Andre Flo insists he is ignoring the speculation linking him with a move from the Ibrox club.

The £12.5 million buy from Chelsea - a Scottish record - has once again seen his name linked with another club. Tottenham are reported to have offered £7 million fee plus £3 million-rated Tim Sherwood for Flo, who has been on the bench for the past two matches.

But Flo said: "I've played football for many years now - back home in Norway, in England and Scotland - and know from experience that someone somewhere is always linked with another club. But the truth is I'm extremely happy in Glasgow."

Kilmarnock winger Stephen Murray has been named as the Bank of Scotland young player of the month for December.

Murray, 18, earned himself a new three-year contract after forcing his way into manager Bobby Williamson's first-team plans and scored the winner at Dundee during a month when Kilmarnock picked up 13 points to move into fifth place in the Scottish Premier League.

Mark McGhee, the former Aberdeen and Celtic striker, has signed a new contract that will keep him as manager of English First Division Millwall until 2004. McGhee guided Millwall to the Second Division title last season after spells in charge at Wolves, Leicester and Reading.